Jude Burke | FE Week

Ofsted finds no off-the-job training at care sector apprenticeship provider

A care sector apprenticeship provider has been heavily criticised by Ofsted for failing to give its apprentices any off-the-job training. Premier Nursing Agency Limited was found to be making ‘insufficient progress’ in two out of three themes under review in an early monitoring report published today. The damning report comes just two and a half […]

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 263

Your weekly guide to who’s new and who’s leaving Elaine McMahon, interim principal, Cornwall College Start date: November 2018 Previous job: Interim principal, Kensington and Chelsea College Interesting fact: Part of Elaine’s education took place in Australia and she has lived in France, Australia and the US as well as in all parts of this […]

Revealed: vast majority of loans-only providers are less than good

A massive 80 per cent of providers that only deliver provision funded by advanced learner loans have been rated less than good by Ofsted, FE Week analysis has revealed. But despite this “shocking” statistic – which covers provision worth millions and affects thousands of learners – the education watchdog was tight-lipped on whether it was […]

FE commissioner: check with me before appointing a principal

The FE commissioner has urged college governors to check with him before appointing a principal as part of a crackdown on “serial offenders” ahead of the incoming college insolvency regime. Richard Atkins was speaking exclusively to FE Week in the same week he was reappointed to the role for another two years. “I would encourage […]

UCU strike closes one college and affects five others

A walkout by more than 700 University and College Union members caused disruption across six colleges this week – and even forced one to close for the two days. Bradford College shut eight of its 12 buildings and called off all its planned lessons on Wednesday and Thursday, while at least three other colleges cancelled […]

Richard Atkins re-appointed FE commissioner for further 2 years

Richard Atkins has been re-appointed FE commissioner for a further two years, the Department for Education has revealed today. The announcement, which comes two years after the former Exeter College principal took over the reins from Sir David Collins, follows an exclusive FE Week interview with the commissioner earlier this week in which he recapped […]

Beauty training provider slammed by Ofsted for ‘misleading’ careers advice

Ofsted has slammed an ‘inadequate’ private provider for its “misleading” careers advice, in a damning report published today. Chic Beauty Academy, which offers advanced learner loans-funded provision and level two adult education courses, was rated grade four overall and in four headlines fields – although the provider has disputed many of the education watchdog’s findings, […]

Troubleshooter replaces Garry Phillips at City College Plymouth

A college whose previous boss quit following the publication of a damning FE commissioner report into his leadership of his former college has appointed an experienced troubleshooter as its interim principal. Penny Wycherley [picture above], formerly principal of Waltham Forest College until she retired in March, will take over the top job at City College […]

College group gives staff a five per cent pay rise, despite a deficit

A huge London college group has defended awarding its staff up to a five per cent pay rise – even though it will result in its third annual operating deficit in a row. The pay deal for Capital City College Group staff, announced on Wednesday, was described as a “landmark” by the University and College […]